Manchester United injury update: Bruno Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez, Marcus Rashford latest news, return dates
Manchester United are sweating over a number of injured stars before Sunday’s huge game with Arsenal.
The hammering at Crystal Palace underlined just how depleted Erik ten Hag’s team is, with 11 players unavailable to the Red Devils.
However, there could be a handful of returning stars for their next game. Bruno Fernandes was absent in south London but is now near a full recovery.
Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay are back in training along with Lisandro Martinez, but the Argentine is still some way off a playing return.
Here is your latest update of Man Utd injury news and return dates...
Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes missed a United game through injury for the first time as his teammates were hammered at Selhurst Park.
Ten Hag confirmed ahead of that match that Fernandes was a doubt, but did not indicate that it was a serious injury and there is every chance that the United captain is back this weekend to face Arsenal.
On Friday it was revealed that Fernandes was back in training with a view to featuring against the Gunners. Ten Hag said: "Players trained this morning (Friday). Bruno was on the pitch and Scott McTominay was back on the pitch."
Potential return date: Sunday May 12 vs Arsenal
Lisandro Martinez
It has been a hugely frustrating season for Martinez, who has made only 11 appearances as a result of various injury issues.
He has been out since the end of March with a calf strain, but he is now closing in on a return to first-team action after he returned to training this week.
Martinez will likely still need some time to build up his fitness and is targeting the FA Cup final for his return.
Potential return date: Saturday May 25 vs Man City (FA Cup Final)
Marcus Rashford
Rashford has now missed United’s last three matches with a knock he picked up in the FA Cup win over Coventry at Wembley.
Ten Hag gave a vague update on the situation last week and said: "His issue after Coventry hasn't healed. I can't tell [you] when he will be back in training."
But the club have now confirmed that Rashford is back in training and could feature on the weekend.
Potential return date: Sunday May 12 vs Arsenal
Scott McTominay
McTominay suffered a knee injury in the draw with Burnley and subsequently missed the trip to Selhurst Park.
A late decision was made on his fitness, though, meaning he should feature against Arsenal with almost a full week to build up his fitness.
“Scott didn't train so far this week but I expect him back in training on Saturday,” Ten Hag said ahead of the Palace match. “Then we will have to see up to the game if he is 100 per cent available or for [only] a part in the game.”
It has now been confirmed that McTominay is back in training and he should be in contention this weekend.
Potential return date: Sunday May 12 vs Arsenal
Mason Mount
A poor first year at Old Trafford is ending in typical fashion for Mount after a fresh injury ruled him out against Arsenal.
Ten Hag told MUTV: “It's a minor issue.
“So he's definitely not out for the season. I think a couple of days, then he'll return. Maybe Newcastle is too short but I think he can be available for Brighton [on the final day].”
Potential return date: Sunday May 19 vs Brighton
Luke Shaw
Shaw is back in training after missing several months in two separate spells out with muscle injuries this season.
The left-back suffered his latest problem against Luton in February, with it reported at the time that he would be out for three months.
But a new “setback” confirmed by Ten Hag suggests he may struggle to play again this season.
Potential return date: Saturday May 25 vs Man City (FA Cup Final)
Harry Maguire
A muscle injury picked up in training has added Maguire’s name to the injury list at United.
It is expected that the defender will be out for around three weeks, ruling him out of the rest of the Premier League season and leaving him as a doubt for the FA Cup final.
Maguire is set to be fit for this summer’s European Championship, assuming there are no further setbacks.
Potential return date: Sunday May 25 vs Manchester City (FA Cup Final)
Raphael Varane
Varane has been out of action since the Chelsea match a month ago, when he was brought off at half-time.
The club stated he would be out for “the next few weeks” with a muscle injury, and that the Frenchman was “aiming to be back in action before the end of the season”.
Ten Hag has confirmed that the FA Cup final is his most likely date for a return.
Potential return date: Saturday May 25 vs Man City (FA Cup Final)
Anthony Martial
There is hope that Martial will return for United this season, to make what could be a final appearance for the club.
The Frenchman is out of contract this summer and he is expected to leave, but he is now back in training and closing in on a return.
Martial last played in December and was forced to undergo groin surgery at the start of the year.
Potential return date: May 2024
Victor Lindelof
A hamstring injury picked up against Brentford at the end of March has kept Lindelof on the sidelines ever since.
It was reported he would be out for a month but United believe his only chance of playing again this season is at Wembley.
Potential return date: Saturday May 25 vs Man City (FA Cup Final)
Willy Kambwala
Kambwala’s absence has further added to Ten Hag’s huge injury concerns.
An unspecified issue ruled the teenager out of the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry and he has not returned to the squad in recent weeks, with the United boss simply saying the club need to be “patient”.
Potential return date: May/summer 2024
Tyrell Malacia
Malacia has not made a single appearance this season, leaving United short at left-back.
After undergoing surgery in the summer, a second operation was then required in November and his recovery since has been slow.
“I think it’s going to be difficult for this season to be available,” Ten Hag said in March.
Potential return date: Summer 2024
